The Role of Black History Month at Milton

By SNEHA JAISWAL ‘22

In the summer of 1915, historian Carter G. Woodson and his minister friend Jesse E. Moorland founded the organization known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The organization was committed to researching and publicizing the achievements of black Americans. As part of this initiative, the ASALH started Black History Week in 1926. They designated this event for the second week of February because Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass were both born in that week. This week grew in popularity and expanded, becoming what we now know as Black History Month. Black History Month is commemorated at schools and communities nationwide with celebrations, discussions, performances, and lectures. Milton participates in Black History Month through a variety of events and discussions. The significance and meaning of Black History Month vary from community to community, and it is important that Milton students understand the role of this event in our community. 

Bella Lora, one of the ONYX heads, identified one of the things she’s most looking forward to this Black History Month is the conversations that will open up because of the event. Onyx has held joint meetings with GASP and International Students Club, but there are more meetings to come with other groups on campus. Lora pointed out that Onyx has not held many joint meetings this year, so she is excited for new dialogue in these meetings. At the same time, Lora stated that “Milton needs to have these conversations in spaces that are not just culture clubs. If Onyx is the only group that is having these conversations, then Black History Month is not going to get far.” She emphasized how Black History Month should spark discussion throughout Milton and that all students should take initiative to educate themselves about the significance of this month. 

Perhaps the most important part of Black History Month is commemorating black history and appreciating the contributions of black Americans to our society. In an anonymous survey sent to the Milton community about the significance of Black History Month, all respondents discussed celebrating black history. Responses ranged from “appreciation of black accomplishments despite our struggles” to “spreading awareness and celebrating those who have made an impact.” Overall, there was a consistent theme of using Black History Month to focus on and appreciate the contributions black people have made. Bella Lora reiterated this sentiment, saying, “black people were once slaves, we were once oppressed, but I think that’s not all black people are. That is not black history, that doesn’t capture what it means to be black.” There is clear consensus that Black History Month at Milton should be emphasizing black culture, history, and achievement beyond just slavery and oppression. 

Besides joint meetings, Onyx has arranged a multitude of events to celebrate Black History Month. These events include an Afrobeats Boston dance class, Black History Month trivia, a trip to see a play about Malcolm X, and a screening of Remember the Titans. All of these events either celebrate or educate about black culture and history. Overall, Black History Month at Milton appears to play three key roles in our community - to open up discussion, to educate, and to commemorate black history and accomplishment.